Des Moines, Iowa (July 29, 2010) – Nationwide Series driver Michael Annett will once again join with Team WillyK for the group’s second annual helmet raffle during Iowa Speedway race week to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa.

The raffle originated last year when Annett wanted to help raise awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training in honor of family friend, six-year-old Will Krueger, who was diagnosed with the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia two years ago.

“When Will was diagnosed with Leukemia, it really hit close to home. I knew I wanted to help out in some way, and with the help of Indocil Art and Bell Helmets, we were again able to pull together a race related raffle to contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa,” said Michael. “We raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training with last year’s raffle, and we hope to top that number this time around. The Kruegers are good friends of mine, so being able to help people like them who are directly affected by the disease means a lot to me.”

Will’s parents, Nick and Peggy Krueger of Des Moines, are honored that Michael was willing to help them in their fundraising mission.

“The entire Krueger Family is grateful to Michael and his team for their work in honor of Will, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, which are two organizations that have made a huge impact in our lives, and the lives of countless central Iowa families,” said Nick, Will’s father. “Will has 10 months left of treatment and is feeling good, but we are truly looking forward to crossing the finish line with people like Michael and others on our “crew”. The money raised from this helmet raffle will continue to help find a cure for blood cancers and support families with children facing life threatening illnesses.”

This weekend, Michael is reaching out to the rest of the Nationwide Series drivers for their support by autographing the helmet. Not only will the donated Bell helmet feature driver autographs, but it also features the unique artwork of Ryan Young of Indocil Art, designer of Michael’s racing helmets.

Ryan donated his time and creative efforts in designing the helmet for the giveaway. Ryan’s father, David Young, was diagnosed with Leukemia 15 years ago.

“Once I heard Will’s story, I didn’t even hesitate when I was asked to help,” said Ryan. “I’m frequently asked for charitable donations of my artwork, but this particular cause is one that stood out to me.

Since my dad suffers from the same disease and I’m familiar with its effects on a family, it was a project I enjoyed working on because the cause is so close to my heart.”

To enter to win the commemorative helmet signed by the drivers in the U.S.

Cellular 250 presented by Northland Oil and John Deere, you can purchase raffle tickets on Friday and Saturday at Iowa Speedway. Representatives from Team WillyK, Will’s fundraising team, will be on-site in red Team WillyK t-shirts throughout the Iowa Speedway property. The cost of tickets is $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20.

For more information on Will Krueger, please visit www.teamwillyk.com.

For more information on Michael Annett, please visit www.michaelannett.com and www.germainracing.com. Get live updates on Twitter @MichaelAnnett.

About the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and services for patients. For 60 years, LLS has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers, helping patients live better, longer lives. Because of the funds raised for cancer research, Will is ALIVE today. It is through fundraising and research that the standard Leukemia survival rate has increased to better than 90%. Proceeds from this year’s helmet raffle will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team WillyK. For more information, visit www.LLS.org.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa® was founded in 1985. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa’s mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Fulfilling a child’s wish provides a joyful and meaningful experience that benefits both the child and the family. In Iowa, we currently have 300 volunteers and welcome other interested individuals. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa has granted more than 1,950 wishes since 1985. For more information, visit www.iowa.wish.org.

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About Germain Racing

Germain Racing team owner Bob Germain Jr. is passionate about racing in NASCAR’s highest ranks. He and his brothers, Steve and Rick, established the racing team in 2004 and Bob is thrilled to see the team’s progression to competing each week in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.